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How to Get from Dubrovnik Airport to Montenegro: A Step-by-Step Guide

BY SARAH

Are you looking for the best ways to get from Dubrovnik Airport to Montenegro?

If this is your first visit to Montenegro, you're in for a treat, and getting there from Dubrovnik couldn't be easier.

There are several ways to get to Montenegro from Dubrovnik Airport:

Rent a car and drive yourself
Take a taxi or book a transfer
Take a bus

In this article, I’ll go over each option so you can decide which option is best for you. From essential travel documents to various transport options and costs, I've got you covered.

Whether you're looking for the most budget-friendly way to reach your destination or prioritizing comfort and speed, this guide will offer you a clear roadmap.

Let's make your trip to Montenegro an effortless and memorable experience!

Why Choose Dubrovnik Airport?

Rent a Car to Get from Dubrovnik Airport to Montenegro

Dubrovnik Airport to Montenegro Transfers

Dubrovnik Airport Bus to Montenegro

Crossing the Croatia-Montenegro Border: What to Expect

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting From Dubrovnik Airport to Montenegro

Final Thoughts About Traveling From Dubrovnik Airport to Montenegro

Why Choose Dubrovnik Airport?

You might be wondering why you should consider flying into Dubrovnik when your final destination is Montenegro.

Dubrovnik Airport serves as a convenient entry point for several attractive Montenegrin destinations like Herceg Novi, Kotor, and Budva because it's so close to Montenegro.

Dubrovnik Airport is well-connected and you can find a lot of convenient and affordable flights to Dubrovnik from all over the world.

The distance from Dubrovnik Airport to Montenegro is just 21 kilometers (13 miles)and getting to Montenegro is generally straightforward and scenic.

2024 Update: Dubrovnik - Budva Ferry

There is a new ferry connecting Dubrovnik and Budva and the reviews are great!

This ferry can get you from Dubrovnik to Budva in just 2 hours. It would take you longer to drive even without queues at the Croatia - Montenegro border.

In July and August, you will spend more than 2 hours at the border crossing and you can expect queues at the Kotor Bay Ferry too.

This makes the Dubrovnik - Budva ferry a great option for getting from Dubrovnik to Montenegro. You can take the ferry and hire a car in Budva if you want to have a car for your stay in Montenegro.

Dubrovnik bus station is right beside the ferry port, so you can catch a bus (more on that below) or taxi to the bus station and catch the ferry from there.

You can also get the ferry to return to Dubrovnik.

Click here for more information and tickets for the Dubrovnik to Budva ferry.

Rent a Car to Get from Dubrovnik Airport to Montenegro

Renting a car at Dubrovnik airport and driving yourself is one of the easiest ways to get from Dubrovnik airport to Montenegro. And you have the added convenience of having a car during your stay in Montenegro.

If you do hire a car, you’ll need to let your car rental company know you plan to drive to Montenegro, for which they’ll charge a cross-border fee. This fee can be anywhere between €10-20 per day depending on the rental company, so it pays to compare the cost of different cars before you book.

One of my favorite car rental companies is Localrent because they work with small local car rental agencies to bring you the best prices and easy-to-understand contracts. With Localrent you can always see the cross-border fee before you book.

Localrent Dubrovnik to Montenegro car hire cross border fee

Click Crossborder fee to add this to your car hire booking

Discover Cars is another good car rental aggregator that allows you to compare cars from different car rental companies in Dubrovnik. They usually work with more international companies like Sixt and Avis. If you scroll down on the booking page you’ll be able to see how much the cross-border fee is before you book.

Discovercars Dubrovnik car hire cross border fee

Expand the Planning to travel to another country? box to find the cross-border fee

Pro Tip

If you want to rent a car but are on a budget, you can save money by taking a bus or ferry to Montenegro and hiring a car in Montenegro.
This way you avoid the cross-border fee and the security deposits on Montenegrin rental cars are significantly lower (around €100 compared to €1100 in Croatia).

Driving From Dubrovnik Airport to Montenegro

It’s only a 30-minute drive from Dubrovnik Airport to the Montenegro border. There are two border-crossing options to choose from:

Debeli Brijeg
Kobila

Debeli Brijeg is the main and larger border crossing. It’s a straight drive along the Adriatic Highway from Dubrovnik Airport to the border crossing.

Kobila is a small border crossing and to get to this checkpoint you turn off the highway towards Molunat and follow the road to Vitaljina, which is where you come to the Croatian checkpoint. After passing through that you come to the Montenegrin checkpoint at Kobila.

>> Click here to read more about the Montenegro-Croatia border crossings.

Distances From Dubrovnik Airport to Montenegro Destinations

Dubrovnik Airport to Herceg Novi: 32 km (20mi)
Dubrovnik Airport to Kotor: 74km (46mi)
Dubrovnik Airport to Budva, Montenegro: 75km (47mi)
Dubrovnik Airport to Porto Montenegro/Tivat, Montenegro: 52km (32mi)
Dubrovnik Airport to Bar, Montenegro: 113km (70mi)
Dubrovnik Airport to Ulcinj, Montenegro: 139km (86mi)
Dubrovnik Airport to Podgorica, Montenegro: 174km (108mi)

Pro Tip

Familiarize yourself with local driving rules, as Montenegro has strict speeding regulations.

Dubrovnik Airport to Montenegro Transfers

If you’re not planning to hire a car for your stay, getting a taxi from the airport or booking a transfer is an easy and comfortable way to get to Montenegro.

Taxis from Dubrovnik Airport to Montenegro

You can easily book a taxi at the airport; the taxi stand at Dubrovnik Airport is right in front of the terminal. A taxi ride to Montenegro starts from €70. Look for the official taxi stand to avoid scams and make sure to agree on the price before starting the journey.

Transfers from Dubrovnik Airport to Montenegro

Booking a transfer is a great way to make your trip from Dubrovnik Airport to Montenegro seamless. You book your transfer online in advance, and a driver is waiting for you in the arrivals hall and drives you to your destination in Montenegro.

When we fly in and out of Dubrovnik airport we always arrange a transfer to take us. It’s especially good in the summer because it can take hours to cross the Montenegro-Croatia border in peak season and the transfer companies know which border to use to get you across the fastest.

Not only that, but if the borders are especially busy and you are in a rush (for example you need to get to Dubrovnik Airport to catch a flight) they sometimes take an alternative route through Bosnia and Herzegovina and cooperate with Croatian transfer companies so that you get to the airport on time.

Pro Tip

Carry some cash in euros for the journey, as not all taxis accept credit cards.

Dubrovnik Airport Bus to Montenegro

There is no direct bus from Dubrovnik Airport to Montenegro, however, you can still get a bus from the airport to Montenegro.

To do it you’ll need to take a bus from the airport to Dubrovnik and from there to Montenegro. This route takes longer but it is an affordable option if you’re on a tight budget.

There is an airport shuttle bus to Dubrovnik. It departs the airport 30 minutes after every flight arrival and stops at the old town and the main bus station in Gruž. It costs €10 for a one-way ticket or €14 for a return ticket.

The public bus lines 11, 27, and 38 also run between the airport and Dubrovnik and you can buy tickets for this route online for €4.90 (enter AIRPORT or ZRAČNA LUKA for the departure station and DUBROVNIK for the destination).

You can get a bus from Dubrovnik’s main station to Kotor, Herceg Novi, Budva, or Podgorica. Here are the approximate travel times for each:

Dubrovnik to Herceg Novi: 1.5 hours
Dubrovnik to Kotor: 2.5 hours
Dubrovnik to Budva: 3.5 hours (consider taking the ferry, which takes just 2 hours instead)
Dubrovnik to Podgorica: 5-6 hours

You can buy tickets from Dubrovnik to Kotor on a faster and more comfortable coach with free Wi-Fi here.

Be aware that it can take longer in summer when the border crossing is busy. One of the advantages of traveling by bus is that there are bus lanes at the border crossings, so you don’t wait as long as the general traffic.

But if there are several buses crossing, it can take a long time to get through both checkpoints.

Local's Tips

Opt for a window seat on the right-hand side for the best scenic views of the coastline.
Check the bus schedules in advance as they vary based on the season.

Crossing the Croatia-Montenegro Border: What to Expect

Crossing the border between Croatia and Montenegro is generally straightforward. However, it can be time-consuming, especially during peak season (July and August).

There are two checkpoints at each crossing, one Croatian and one Montenegrin. Make sure to have your travel documents (passport and visa if required) ready. Waiting times can vary but expect at least 30 minutes to an hour.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting From Dubrovnik Airport to Montenegro

How far is Montenegro from Dubrovnik Airport?

Dubrovnik airport is just 21 kilometers (13 miles) from Montenegro. The distance between Dubrovnik Airport and the Montenegro border varies depending on your destination within Montenegro. For example, Kotor is approximately 73 km away from Dubrovnik Airport.

What travel documents do I need for crossing the border?

You will need a valid passport that has at least 6 months before expiry to cross the border from Croatia to Montenegro. Depending on your nationality, you may also need a visa.

Is it cheaper to take the bus or rent a car?

Taking the bus is generally more cost-effective, with one-way tickets ranging from €15-€20. Car rentals start from as little as €5 per day, excluding fuel and cross-border fee, which is around €10-20 per day.

How long does it take to travel from Dubrovnik Airport to Montenegro by bus?

The journey by bus can take 3-4 hours or more, depending on traffic and border-crossing times.

Are there direct flights to Montenegro?

Yes, there are direct flights to Montenegro's airports like Podgorica and Tivat, but Dubrovnik Airport is often chosen for its proximity to popular Montenegrin tourist destinations and frequent international connections.

What currency do I need for the journey?

The currency in both Croatia and Montenegro is the Euro (€). I recommend carrying some euros in cash, especially if you plan to take a taxi or a bus.

How safe is it to travel from Dubrovnik Airport to Montenegro?

Both Croatia and Montenegro enjoy low crime rates and the journey is very safe. However, always exercise standard precautions, like using official taxi services and keeping your travel documents secure.

Do I need travel insurance for this trip?

While not mandatory, I recommend having comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. SafetyWing offers comprehensive medical insurance that includes Montenegro at excellent prices.

Can I use public transportation within Montenegro once I arrive?

Yes, Montenegro has a network of local buses and taxis that are generally affordable and convenient for getting around.

What are some scenic spots to look out for during the journey?

The route from Dubrovnik Airport to Montenegro offers breathtaking views of the Adriatic coastline. The drive around the Bay of Kotor is one of Montenegro’s most scenic drives. Keep your camera ready for picturesque landscapes, especially if you're traveling during daylight hours.

How do you get from Dubrovnik Airport to Montenegro?

You have three main options to get from Dubrovnik Airport to Montenegro: by bus, by taxi or private transfer, or by renting a car. Each mode of transport has its pros and cons, depending on your budget, comfort level, and travel needs. The journey takes about 3-4 hours by bus and can be shorter if you're using a taxi or a rented car.

Is there a bus from Dubrovnik Airport to Montenegro?

No, there is no direct bus from Dubrovnik Airport to Montenegro. You can get a bus from Dubrovnik Airport to Dubrovnik's main bus station and from there you can get a bus to various destinations in Montenegro like Kotor, Budva, and Tivat. The bus terminal is situated near the airport, and a one-way ticket generally costs €5-10.

Is there a ferry from Dubrovnik Airport to Montenegro?

There is no ferry service from Dubrovnik Airport to Montenegro.

Is there a train from Dubrovnik to Montenegro?

No, there is no train service that operates between Dubrovnik and Montenegro. The most common modes of transportation are buses, taxis, or rental cars.

Is it easy to cross from Croatia to Montenegro?

Crossing the border from Croatia to Montenegro is generally straightforward but can be time-consuming, especially during the tourist season. Ensure you have a valid passport and any required visas for a smooth border-crossing experience. The waiting time can vary but generally expect at least 30 minutes to an hour.

Final Thoughts About Traveling From Dubrovnik Airport to Montenegro

Flying into Dubrovnik Airport and traveling to Montenegro is very easy and there are several ways to do it.

Hiring a car and driving yourself to Montenegro gives you ultimate freedom both on your journey to Montenegro and during your stay. And having a rental car for your stay in Montenegro comes with the advantages of convenience and being able to see more during your trip.

Booking a transfer to take you across the border is a stress-free and comfortable way to travel and make sure you make your return flight from Dubrovnik Airport.

Taking the bus is a slower but economical way of getting from Dubrovnik Airport to Montenegro.

Remember to have all your necessary travel documents in place and be prepared for the border crossing.

This guide aims to equip you with all the essential information, from costs to pro tips, for a hassle-free travel experience. Now that you're armed with this knowledge, you're all set to explore the awe-inspiring beauty and rich culture that Montenegro has to offer.

Happy travels!